Remodeling a cardiac annulus

ABSTRACT

Described herein are methods of remodeling the base of a ventricle. In particular, methods of remodeling a valve annulus by forming a new fibrous annulus are described. These methods may result in a remodeled annulus that corrects valve leaflet function without substantially inhibiting the mobility of the leaflet. The methods of remodeling the base of the ventricle include the steps of securing a plurality of anchors to the valve annulus beneath one or more leaflets of the valve, constricting the valve annulus by cinching a tether connecting the anchors, and securing the anchors in the cinched conformation to allow the growth of fibrous tissue. The annulus may be cinched (e.g., while visualizing the annulus) so that the mobility of the valve leaflets is not significantly restricted. The remodeled annulus is typically constricted to shorten the diameter of the annulus to correct for valve dysfunction (e.g., regurgitation).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/792,681, filed Mar. 2, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/459,735, filed on Apr. 1, 2003, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/462,502, filed on Apr. 10, 2003, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/524,922, filed on Nov. 24, 2003, and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/741,130, filed on Dec. 19, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/656,797, filed on Sep. 4, 2003, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/461,043, filed on Jun. 13, 2003, the latter of which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/388,935, filed on Jun. 13, 2002, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/429,288, filed on Nov. 25, 2002, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/445,890, filed on Feb. 6, 2003, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/462,502, filed on Apr. 10, 2003, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/137,833, filed on May 24, 2005, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/202,474, filed Aug. 11, 2005, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/232,190, field Sep. 20, 2005, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The methods and devices described herein relate generally to medical devices and methods, and more specifically to devices and methods for enhancing tissue repair using minimally invasive surgical techniques, especially for use in cardiovascular valve repair.

BACKGROUND

Normally, when the mitral or tricuspid valves close, the valve prevents the escape of blood through the annulus. The operation of these valves (plus the normal closure of the aortic and pulmonary valves) ensures that the heart functions as a one-way pump. Pressure within the ventricles forces the leaflets upward until the free edges contact (coaptation). The leaflets are also inhibited by the chordae tendinae from prolapsing beyond the plane of the annulus and into the atrial chambers.

There are many possible causes for failure of these valves, including: loss of pliability of the annulus leading to decreased contractibility; widening of the annulus; thickening, shortening or swelling of the leaflets; dilation of the ventricle; elongation or breaking of the chordae tendinae; and elongation of the attachment of the chordae tendinae with the papillary muscles or ventricular wall. Failure may eventually lead to loss of coaptation of the leaflets, loss of competence of the valve and decreased efficiency of the heart as a one-way pumping mechanism. When the latter occurs, various symptoms are seen in the patients, including breathlessness or lack of stamina and heart murmurs.

Typical treatment of heart valve stenosis or regurgitation, such as mitral or tricuspid regurgitation, involves an open-heart surgical procedure to replace or repair the valve. Currently accepted treatments of the mitral and tricuspid valves include: valvuloplasty, in which the affected leaflets are remodeled to perform normally; repair of the chordae tendinae and/or papillary muscle attachments; and surgical insertion of an “annuloplasty” ring. This requires suturing a flexible support ring over the annulus to constrict the radial dimension. Other surgical techniques to treat heart valve dysfunction involve fastening (or stapling) the valve leaflets to each other or to other regions of the valve annulus to improve valve function (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,971).

Unfortunately, each of the methods described above has disadvantages which limit the applicability and usefulness of these techniques. For example, many of these treatments inhibit the motion of the valve flaps during normal cardiac function. Most annuloplasty rings inhibit the full range of motion for normal valves, because of the presence of the bulky and constrictive annuloplasty ring. Further, many of the techniques used to treat valve dysfunction rely upon the continued function of the implant (e.g., annuloplasty ring, staples, etc.) to maintain the shape and function of the heart valve. Thus, if the implant fails, the valve will likely fail. Finally, many of the currently available techniques must be performed as part of an open-heart surgery, and cannot be readily practiced non-invasively (e.g., percutaneously) on a beating heart. Open-heart procedures typically involve greater risk, associated pain, and recovery time.

Thus, it would be highly beneficial to provide methods, devices, and systems for enhancing heart valve repair. Ideally, such methods, devices and systems would overcome many of the limitations described above.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Devices, systems and methods described herein are generally used to facilitate transvascular, minimally invasive and other “less invasive” surgical procedures, by facilitating the delivery of treatment devices at a treatment site. “Less invasive,” for the purposes of this application, means any procedure that is less invasive-than traditional, large-incision, open surgical procedures. Thus, a less invasive procedure may be an open surgical procedure involving one or more relatively small incisions, a procedure performed via transvascular percutaneous access, a transvascular procedure via cut-down, a laparoscopic or other endoscopic procedure, or the like. Generally, any procedure in which a goal is to minimize or reduce invasiveness to the patient may be considered less invasive. Furthermore, although the terms “less invasive” and “minimally invasive” may sometimes be used interchangeably in this application, neither of these nor terms used to describe a particular subset of surgical or other procedures should be interpreted as limiting. Generally, devices and methods described herein may be used in performing or enhancing any suitable procedure.

The present application typically describes methods for performing heart valve repair procedures, and more specifically heart valve annuloplasty procedures such as mitral valve annuloplasty to treat mitral regurgitation. The devices and methods described herein, however, may be used in any suitable procedure, both cardiac and non-cardiac. For example, they may be used in procedures to repair any heart valve, to repair an atrial-septal defect, to access and possibly perform a valve repair or other procedure from (or through) the coronary sinus, to place one or more pacemaker leads, to perform a cardiac ablation procedure such as ablating around pulmonary veins to treat atrial fibrillation, and/or the like. In other variations, the devices and methods may be used to enhance a laparoscopic or other endoscopic procedure on any part of the body, such as the bladder, stomach, gastroesophageal junction, vasculature, gall bladder, or the like. Therefore, although the following description typically focuses on mitral valve and other heart valve repair, such description should not be limiting.

The methods described herein generally provide methods for enhanced treatment of a cardiac valve annulus such as a mitral valve annulus. Methods generally involve securing a plurality of anchors to the valve annulus, constricting the valve annulus by cinching a tether connecting the plurality of anchors, and allowing ingrowth of tissue around and/or into the cinched assembly of tether and anchors. The annulus may be constricted to correct the position of the valve leaflets. Thus, constriction of the annulus may be any reduction or change in shape of the annulus to correct the function of the leaflets (e.g., allowing the leaflets to open and close properly). The cinched assembly typically comprises the plurality of anchors and at least one tether connecting the plurality of anchors. This assembly may be adjusted while visualizing at least a part of the assembly, to help adjust the position and mobility of the valve leaflets as the annulus is cinched. After the annulus is secured into the desired shape or position, the assembly typically maintains this corrected shape or position until the formation of new fibrous tissue which holds the shape of the annulus. Thus, the anchor and tether assembly encourages remodeling of the annulus by supporting the annulus in the corrected shape until the formation of new tissue. In some variations, the assembly is configured to encourage growth of new tissue (including fibrous scar tissue) around the assembly and/or into the assembly.

In many cases, methods described herein will be performed on a beating heart. Access to the beating heart may be accomplished by any available technique, including intravascular, transthoracic, and the like. Intravascular access to a heart valve may be achieved using any suitable route or method. To perform a procedure on a mitral valve, for example, in one variation a catheter may be advanced through a femoral artery, to the aorta, and into the left ventricle of the heart, to contact a length of the mitral valve. Alternatively, access may be gained through the venous system, to a central vein, into the right atrium of the heart, and across the interatrial septum to the left side of the heart to contact a length of the mitral valve. In either of these two types of intravascular access, the catheter will often easily be advanced, once it enters the left side of the heart, into a space defined by the left ventricular wall, one or more mitral valve leaflets, and chordae tendineae of the left ventricle. This space provides a convenient conduit for further advancement of the catheter to a desired location for performing mitral valve repair. In alternative variations, a catheter device may access the coronary sinus and a valve procedure may be performed directly from the sinus. Furthermore, in addition to beating heart access, methods described herein may be used for intravascular stopped heart access as well as stopped heart open chest procedures. Any suitable intravascular or other access method is also contemplated.

Described herein is a method of remodeling the base of a ventricle of a heart. The method typically includes the steps of securing a plurality of anchors to the valve annulus of the heart beneath one or more leaflets of the valve, constricting the valve annulus by cinching a tether connecting the plurality of anchors (where the plurality of anchors and the tether are configured as a cinchable assembly), and securing the annulus in a constricted configuration to allow growth of fibrous tissue around the cinchable assembly.

The method may also include the step of inducing the formation of scar tissue at least partially about the annulus. As described, the cinchable assembly may be configured to allow the grown of fibrous tissue into the cinchable assembly. Thus, the cinchable assembly may include pores or passages that allow the growth of fibrous tissue (e.g., scar tissue) into the assembly. In some variations, the assembly includes a material that promotes fibrous tissue growth (e.g., growth factors such as the connective tissue growth factors, fibroblasts, etc.). In some variations, the assembly may include at least a portion that degrades (e.g., by bioabsorption) over time, allowing the newly grown tissue to assume at least part of the load initially borne by the assembly.

The annulus may be maintained in a constricted configuration until the formation of scar tissue at least partially around the annulus. Thus, even if fibrous tissue does not grow into the assembly, tissue may surround (e.g., engulf) the assembly. The assembly may therefore maintain the constricted configuration of the annulus for about two weeks, three weeks, a month, greater than about a month, two months, greater than about two months, three months, or six months.

As described, the plurality of anchors may be introduced percutaneously, and on beating heart. The anchors may be pre-connected to the tether, or the tether may be connected after inserting the anchors. In some variations, the step of securing the plurality of anchors about the valve annulus comprises securing the anchors between the left and right trigone. For example, the anchors may extend from trigone-to-trigone, in the posterior region of the annulus.

The step of constricting the valve annulus generally comprises reducing the circumference of at least a portion of the heart valve annulus. The heart valve annulus may be constricted to corrects a mitral valve defect, allowing complete and correct closure of the valve leaflets. In general, the step of constricting the valve annulus comprises constricting the valve annulus while preserving the mobility of the leaflets of the valve. Thus, this step may include a step of monitoring the heart valve in real time (e.g., by echocardiogram techniques such as TEE, TCE, etc.).

Any appropriate method may be used to introduce the plurality of anchors to the valve annulus. For example, the plurality of anchors may be introduced from beneath one or more leaflets of the valve. Thus, the anchors may be introduced in the subannular groove region of the valve.

Also described herein are method of remodeling a valve annulus while preserving mobility of the valve leaflets. The method typically includes the steps of securing a plurality of anchors to at least a portion of the valve annulus, constricting the valve annulus by cinching a tether connecting the plurality of anchors (wherein the plurality of anchors and the tether are configured as a cinchable assembly), and monitoring the mobility of the heart valve leaflets in real time while constricting the heart valve annulus. As described above, the annulus may be secured so that it remains in position (or shape) at least long enough to allow the formation of fibrous scar tissue at least partially around the annulus.

These and other aspects and variations are described more fully below with reference to the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a heart with a flexible anchor delivery device being positioned for treatment of a mitral valve annulus.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of a portion of a heart, schematically showing positioning of a flexible device for treatment of a mitral valve annulus.

FIGS. 2C and 2D are cross-sectional views of a portion of a heart, showing positioning of a flexible anchor delivery device for treatment of a mitral valve annulus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a distal portion of an anchor delivery device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a segment of a distal portion of an anchor delivery device, with anchors in an undeployed shape and position.

FIG. 5 is a different perspective view of the segment of the device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a segment of a distal portion of an anchor delivery device, with anchors in a deployed shape and position.

FIGS. 7A-7E are cross-sectional views of an anchor delivery device, illustrating a method for delivering anchors to valve annulus tissue.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are top-views of a plurality of anchors coupled to a self-deforming coupling member or “backbone,” with the backbone shown in an undeployed shape and a deployed shape.

FIGS. 9A-9C are various perspective views of a distal portion of a flexible anchor delivery device.

FIGS. 10A-10F demonstrate a method for applying anchors to a valve annulus and cinching the anchors to tighten the annulus, using an anchor delivery device.

FIG. 11 shows a heart in cross-section with a guide catheter device advanced through the aorta into the left ventricle.

FIG. 11A shows a distal end of an anchor delivery device passing through a guide catheter.

FIG. 11B shows middle portions of an anchor delivery device and a guide catheter having corresponding orientation portions.

FIGS. 12A-12D show variations of support members for supporting an anchor delivery device against a valve annulus;

FIGS. 13A-13C show a device and method for facilitating termination and load distribution of a series of anchors.

FIGS. 14A-14F demonstrate a method for advancing an anchor delivery device to a position for treating a heart valve.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are side cross-sectional views of a guide catheter device for facilitating positioning of an anchor delivery device.

FIGS. 16A-16E show various tissue anchors.

FIGS. 17A-17C show a self-forming anchor attaching to tissue of a valve annulus.

FIG. 18 shows a self-forming anchor attaching to tissue of a valve annulus.

FIG. 19A shows an anchor device having a sleeve between two adjacent anchors.

FIG. 19B shows an anchor device having a sleeve between three anchors.

FIGS. 20A to 20D illustrate a schematic example of non-percutaneous insertion of a plurality of anchors.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a plurality of anchors that have been cinched by a tether to constrict an annulus.

FIG. 22 summarizes the results of the reduction in mitral valve orifice area using the subvalvular approach described herein.

FIG. 23A and B are echocardiograms of a sheep's heart before and after implantation of the cinchable assemblies described herein.

FIG. 24 shows another example of an echocardiogram of a sheep's heart after implantation of the cinchable assembly as described herein.

FIG. 25 shows a dissected mitral valve annulus containing a heart having a implant which was present for approximately three months.

FIG. 26A-26B shows cross-sections through mitral valve tissue into which cinchable assemblies have been chronically implanted.

FIG. 27 also shows cross-sections through mitral valve tissue into which cinchable assemblies have been chronically implanted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are methods of remodeling the base of a ventricle. In particular, methods of remodeling a valve annulus by forming a new fibrous annulus are described. These methods may result in a remodeled annulus that corrects valve leaflet function without substantially inhibiting the mobility of the leaflet.

In general, these methods of remodeling the base of the ventricle include the steps of securing a plurality of anchors to the valve annulus beneath one or more leaflets of the valve, constricting the valve annulus by cinching a tether connecting the anchors, and securing the anchors in the cinched conformation to allow the growth of fibrous tissue. The annulus may be cinched (e.g., while visualizing the annulus) so that the mobility of the valve leaflets is not significantly restricted. The remodeled annulus is typically constricted to shorten the diameter of the annulus to correct for valve dysfunction (e.g., regurgitation). Remodeling of the valve annulus may be long term, meaning that the reconfiguration of the valve annulus may last for weeks, months or years. Thus, the remodeled annulus may retain it's remodeled state even after failure of any implanted cinching assembly (e.g., anchors and tether). As described below, a cinching assembly may include a plurality of anchors, one or more tethers linking the anchors, and/or any sleeves or additional structures affiliated with the tether or anchors.

Described below in Part I are examples of variations of cinchable assemblies, methods of delivering them, and method of remodeling a valve annulus. Part II gives various examples of methods of remodeling of base of the ventricle.

PART I

Although the following description focuses on methods for mitral valve repair, these methods may be used in any suitable procedure, both cardiac and non-cardiac. When used for treatment of a cardiac valve annulus, the methods generally involve application of anchors to the valve annulus and cinching of the valve annulus.

Devices may be positioned such that the housing abuts or is close to valve annular tissue, such as in a location within the left ventricle defined by the left ventricular wall, a mitral valve leaflet and chordae tendineae. Self-securing anchors having any of a number of different configurations may be used in some variations. Additional devices include delivery devices for facilitating delivery and/or placement of an anchor delivery device at a treatment site.

In many cases, methods described herein will be performed on a beating heart. Access to the beating heart may be accomplished by any available technique, including intravascular, transthoracic, and the like. In addition to beating heart access, the methods described herein may be used for intravascular stopped heart access as well as stopped heart open chest procedures.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a heart H is shown in cross section, with an elongate anchor delivery device 100 introduced within the heart H. Generally, delivery device 100 comprises an elongate body with a distal portion 102 configured to deliver anchors to a heart valve annulus. (In FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, distal portion 102 is shown diagrammatically without anchors or anchor-delivery mechanism to enhance clarity of the figures.) In some variations, the elongate body comprises a rigid shaft, while in other variations it comprises a flexible catheter, so that distal portion 102 may be positioned in the heart H and under one or more valve leaflets to engage a valve annulus via a transvascular approach. Transvascular access may be gained, for example, through the internal jugular vein (not shown) to the superior vena cava SVC to the right atrium RA, across the interatrial septum to the left atrium LA, and then under one or more mitral valve leaflets MVL to a position within the left ventricle (LV) under the valve annulus (not shown). Alternatively, access to the heart may be achieved via the femoral vein and the inferior vena cava. In other variations, access may be gained via the coronary sinus (not shown) and through the atrial wall into the left atrium. In still other variations, access may be achieved via a femoral artery and the aorta, into the left ventricle, and under the mitral valve. This access route will be described in further detail below. Any other suitable access route is also contemplated.

Access to the heart H may be transthoracic, with delivery device 100 being introduced into the heart via an incision or port on the heart wall. Even open heart surgical procedures may benefit from methods and devices described herein. Furthermore, some variations may be used to enhance procedures on the tricuspid valve annulus, adjacent the tricuspid valve leaflets TVL, or any other cardiac or vascular valve. Therefore, although the following description typically focuses on minimally invasive or less invasive mitral valve repair for treating mitral regurgitation, the methods described herein are in no way limited to that use.

With reference now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a method for positioning delivery device 100 for treating a mitral valve annulus VA is depicted diagrammatically in a cross-sectional view. First, as in FIG. 2A, distal portion 102 is positioned in a desired location under a mitral valve leaflet L and adjacent a ventricular wall VW. (Again, distal portion 102 is shown without anchors or anchor-delivery mechanism for demonstrative purposes.) The valve annulus VA generally comprises an area of heart wall tissue at the junction of the ventricular wall VW and the atrial wall AW that is relatively fibrous and, thus, significantly stronger that leaflet tissue and other heart wall tissue.

Distal portion 102 may be advanced into position under the valve annulus by any suitable technique, some of which are described below in further detail. Generally, distal portion 102 may be used to deliver anchors to the valve annulus, to stabilize and/or expose the annulus, or both. In one variation, using a delivery device having a flexible elongate body as shown in FIG. 1, a flexible distal portion 102 may be passed from the right atrium RA through the interatrial septum in the area of the foramen ovale (not shown—behind the aorta A), into the left atrium LA and thus the left ventricle LV. Alternatively, flexible distal portion 102 may be advanced through the aorta A and into the left ventricle LV, for example using access through a femoral artery. Oftentimes, distal portion 102 will then naturally travel, upon further advancement, under the posterior valve leaflet L into a space defined above a subvalvular space 104 roughly defined for the purposes of this application as a space bordered by the inner surface of the left ventricular wall VW, the inferior surface of mitral valve leaflets L, and cordae tendineae CT connected to the ventricular wall VW and the leaflet L. It has been found that a flexible anchor delivery catheter, such as the delivery devices described herein, when passed under the mitral valve via an intravascular approach, often enters subvalvular space 104 relatively easily and may be advanced along space 104 either partially or completely around the circumference of the valve. Once in space 104, distal portion 102 may be conveniently positioned at the intersection of the valve leaflet(s) and the ventricular wall VW, which intersection is immediately adjacent or very near to the valve annulus VA, as shown in FIG. 2A. These are but examples of possible access routes of an anchor delivery device to a valve annulus, and any other access routes may be used.

In some variations, distal portion 102 includes a shape-changing portion which enables distal portion 102 to conform to the shape of the valve annulus VA. The catheter may be introduced through the vasculature with the shape-changing distal portion in a generally straight, flexible configuration. Once it is in place beneath the leaflet at the intersection between the leaflet and the interior ventricular wall, the shape of distal portion 102 is changed to conform to the annulus and usually the shape is “locked” to provide sufficient stiffness or rigidity to permit the application of force from distal portion 102 to the annulus. Shaping and optionally locking distal portion 102 may be accomplished in any of a number of ways. For example, in some variations, a shape-changing portion may be sectioned, notched, slotted or segmented and one of more tensioning members such as tensioning cords, wires or other tensioning devices coupled with the shape-changing portion may be used to shape and rigidify distal portion 102. A segmented distal portion, for example, may include multiple segments coupled with two tensioning members, each providing a different direction of articulation to the distal portion. A first bend may be created by tensioning a first member to give the distal portion a C-shape or similar shape to conform to the valve annulus, while a second bend may be created by tensioning a second member to articulate the C-shaped member upwards against the annulus. In another variation, a shaped expandable member, such as a balloon, may be coupled with distal portion 102 to provide for shape changing/deforming. In some variations, any configurations and combinations may be used to give distal portion 102 a desired shape.

In transthoracic and other variations, distal portion 102 may be shaped, and the method may simply involve introducing distal portion 102 under the valve leaflets. The shaped distal portion 102 may be rigid or formed from any suitable super-elastic or shape memory material, such as nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), spring stainless steel, or the like.

In addition to delivering anchors to the valve annulus VA, delivery device 100 (and specifically distal portion 102) may be used to stabilize and/or expose the valve annulus VA. Such stabilization and exposure are described fully in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/656,797, which was previously incorporated by reference. For example, once distal portion 102 is positioned under the annulus, force may be applied to distal portion 102 to stabilize the valve annulus VA, as shown in FIG. 2B. Such force may be directed in any suitable direction to expose, position and/or stabilize the annulus. For example, upward and lateral force is shown in FIG. 2B by the solid-headed arrow drawn from the center of distal portion 102. In other cases, only upward, only lateral, or any other suitable force(s) may be applied. With application of force to distal portion 102, the valve annulus VA is caused to rise or project outwardly, thus exposing the annulus for easier viewing and access. The applied force may also stabilize the valve annulus VA, also facilitating surgical procedures and visualization.

Some variations may include a stabilization component as well as an anchor delivery component. For example, some variations may include two flexible members, one for contacting the atrial side of a valve annulus and the other for contacting the ventricular side. In some variations, such flexible members may be used to “clamp” the annulus between them. One of such members may be an anchor delivery member and the other may be a stabilization member, for example. Any combination and configuration of stabilization and/or anchor delivery members is contemplated.

Referring now to FIGS. 2C and 2D, an anchor delivery device 108 is shown delivering an anchor 110 to a valve annulus VA. Of course, these are again representational figures and are not drawn to scale. Anchor 110 is shown first housed within delivery device 108 (FIG. 2C) and then delivered to the annulus VA (FIG. 2D). As is shown, in one variation anchors 110 may have a relatively straight configuration when housed in delivery device 108, perhaps with two sharpened tips and a loop in between the tips. Upon deployment from delivery device 108, the tips of anchor 110 may curve in opposite directions to form two semi-circles, circles, ovals, overlapping helices or the like. This is but one example of a type of self-securing anchor which may be delivered to a valve annulus. Additional anchor variations are described further below, and may also be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/202,474, previously incorporated by reference. Multiple coupled anchors 110 may be delivered, and the anchors 110 are drawn together to tighten the valve annulus. Methods for anchor delivery and for drawing anchors, together are described further below.

Although delivery device 108 is shown having a circular cross-sectional shape in FIGS. 2C and 2D, it may alternatively have any other suitable shape. In one variation, for example, it may be advantageous to provide a delivery device having an ovoid or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Such a shape may help ensure that the device is aligned, when positioned between in a corner formed by a ventricular wall and a valve leaflet, such that one or more openings in the delivery device is oriented to deliver the anchors into valve annulus tissue. To further enhance contacting of the valve annulus and/or orientation of the delivery device, some variations may further include an expandable member, coupled with the delivery device, which expands to urge or press or wedge the delivery device into the corner formed by the ventricle wall and the leaflet to contact the valve annulus. Such enhancements are described further below.

With reference now to FIG. 3, one variation of a portion of an anchor delivery device 200 suitably includes an elongate shaft 204 having a distal portion 202 configured to deliver a plurality of anchors 210, coupled with a tether 212, to tissue of a valve annulus. Tethered anchors 210 are housed within a housing 206 of distal portion 202, along with one or more anchor retaining mandrels 214 and an expandable member 208. Many variations may be made to one or more of these features, and various parts may be added or eliminated. Some of these variations are described further below, but no specific variation(s) should be construed as limiting.

Housing 206 may be flexible or rigid in some variations. In some variations, for example, flexible housing 206 may be comprised of multiple segments configured such that housing 206 is deformable by tensioning a tensioning member coupled to the segments. In some variations, housing 206 is formed from an elastic material having a geometry selected to engage and optionally shape or constrict the valve annulus. For example, the rings may be formed from super-elastic material, shape memory alloy such as nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), spring stainless steel, or the like. In other instances, housing 206 could be formed from an inflatable or other structure can be selectively rigidified in situ, such as a gooseneck or lockable element shaft, any of the rigidifying structures described above, or any other rigidifying structure.

“Anchors,” for the purposes of this application, is defined to mean any fasteners. Thus, anchors 210 may comprise C-shaped or semicircular hooks, curved hooks of other shapes, straight hooks, barbed hooks, clips of any kind, T-tags, or any other suitable fastener(s). In one variation, as described above, anchors may comprise two tips that curve in opposite directions upon deployment, forming two intersecting semi-circles, circles, ovals, helices or the like. In some variations, anchors 210 are self-deforming. By “self-deforming” it is meant that anchors 210 change from a first undeployed shape to a second deployed shape upon release of anchors 210 from restraint in housing 206. Such self-deforming anchors 210 may change shape as they are released from housing 206 and enter valve annulus tissue, to secure themselves to the tissue. Thus, a crimping device or other similar mechanism is not required on distal end 202 to apply force to anchors 210 to attach them to annular tissue.

Self-deforming anchors 210 may be made of any suitable material, such as a super-elastic or shape-memory material like nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol) or spring stainless steel. In other variations, anchors 210 may be made of a non-shape-memory material and made be loaded into housing 206 in such a way that they change shape upon release. Alternatively, anchors 210 that are not self-deforming may be used, and such anchors may be secured to tissue via crimping, firing or the like. Even self-securing anchors may be crimped in some variations, to provide enhanced attachment to tissue. In some variations, anchors 210 may comprise one or more bioactive agent. In another variation, anchors 210 may comprise electrodes. Such electrodes, for example, may sense various parameters, such as but not limited to impedance, temperature and electrical signals. In other variations, such electrodes may be used to supply energy to tissue at ablation or sub-ablation amounts. Delivery of anchors may be accomplished by any suitable device and technique, such as by simply releasing the anchors by hydraulic balloon delivery as discussed further below. Any number, size and shape of anchors 210 may be included in housing 206.

In one variation, anchors 210 are generally C-shaped or semicircular in their undeployed form, with the ends of the C being sharpened to penetrate tissue. Midway along the C-shaped anchor 210, an eyelet may be formed for allowing slidable passage of tether 212. To maintain anchors 210 in their C-shaped, undeployed state, anchors 210 may be retained within housing 206 by two mandrels 214, one mandrel 214 retaining each of the two arms of the C-shape of each anchor 210. Mandrels 214 may be retractable within elongate catheter body 204 to release anchors 210 and allow them to change from their undeployed C-shape to a deployed shape. The deployed shape, for example, may approximate a complete circle or a circle with overlapping ends, the latter appearing similar to a key ring. Such anchors are described further below, but generally may be advantageous in their ability to secure themselves to annular tissue by changing from their undeployed to their deployed shape. In some variations, anchors 210 are also configured to lie flush with a tissue surface after being deployed. By “flush” it is meant that no significant amount of an anchor protrudes from the surface, although some small portion may protrude.

Tether 212 may be one long piece of material or two or more pieces and may comprise any suitable material, such as suture, suture-like material, a Dacron strip or the like. Retaining mandrels 214 may also have any suitable configuration and be made of any suitable material, such as stainless steel, titanium, nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), or the like. Some variations may not include a mandrel, or may have one mandrel, two mandrels, or more than two mandrels.

In some variations, anchors 210 may be released from mandrels 214 to contact and secure themselves to annular tissue without any further force applied by delivery device 200. Some variations, however, may also include one or more expandable members 208, which may be expanded to help drive anchors 210 into tissue. Expandable member(s) 208 may have any suitable size and configuration and may be made of any suitable material(s). Hydraulic systems such as expandable members are known in the art, and any known or as yet undiscovered expandable member may be included in housing 206.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a segment of a distal portion 302 of an anchor delivery device suitably includes a housing 306, multiple tensioning members 320 for applying tension to housing 306 to change its shape, two anchor retaining mandrels 314 slidably disposed in housing 306, multiple anchors 310 slidably coupled with a tether 312, and an expandable member 308 disposed between anchors 310 and housing 306. As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, housing 306 may include multiple segments to allow the overall shape of housing 306 to be changed by applying tension to tensioning members 320. As also is evident from the drawings, “C-shaped” anchors 310 may actually have an almost straight configuration when retained by mandrels 314 in housing 306. Thus, for the purposes of this application, “C-shaped” or “semicircular” refers to a very broad range of shapes including a portion of a circle, a slightly curved line, a slightly curved line with an eyelet at one point along the line, and the like.

With reference now to FIG. 6, the same segment of distal portion 302 is shown, but mandrels 314 have been withdrawn from two mandrel apertures 322, to release anchors 310 from housing 306. Additionally, expandable member 308 has been expanded to drive anchors out of housing 306. Anchors 310, having been released from mandrels 314, have begun to change from their undeployed, retained shape to their deployed, released shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7E, a cross-section of a distal portion 402 of an anchor delivery device is shown in various stages of delivering an anchor to tissue of a valve annulus VA. In FIG. 7A, distal portion 402 is positioned against the valve annulus, an anchor 410 is retained by two mandrels 414, a tether 412 is slidably disposed through an eyelet on anchor 410, and an expandable member 408 is coupled with housing 406 in a position to drive anchor 410 out of housing 406. When retained by mandrels 414, anchor 410 is in its undeployed shape. As discussed above, mandrels 414 may be slidably retracted, as designated by the solid-tipped arrows in FIG. 7A, to release anchor 410. In various embodiments, anchors 410 may be released one at a time, such as by retracting mandrels 414 slowly, may be released in groups, or may all be released simultaneously, such as by rapid retraction of mandrels 414.

In FIG. 7B, anchor 410 has begun to change from its undeployed shape to its deployed shape (as demonstrated by the hollow-tipped arrows) and has also begun to penetrate the annular tissue VA. Empty mandrel apertures 422 demonstrate that mandrels 414 have been retracted at least far enough to release anchor 410. In FIG. 7B, expandable member 408 has been expanded to drive anchor 410 partially out of housing 406 and further into the valve annulus VA. Anchor 410 also continues to move from its undeployed towards its deployed shape, as shown by the hollow-tipped arrows. In FIG. 7D, anchor 410 has reached its deployed shape, which is roughly a completed circle with overlapping ends or a “key ring” shape. In FIG. 7E, delivery device 402 has been removed, leaving a tethered anchor in place in the valve annulus. Of course, there will typically be a plurality of tethered anchors secured to the annular tissue. Tether 412 may then be cinched to apply force to anchors 410 and cinch and tighten the valve annulus.

With reference now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a diagrammatic representation of another variation of coupled anchors is shown. Here, anchors 510 are coupled to a self-deforming or deformable coupling member or backbone 505. This backbone 505 is one variation of a tether. Backbone 505 may be fabricated, for example, from A nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), spring stainless steel, or the like, and may have any suitable size or configuration. In one variation, as in FIG. 8A, backbone 505 is shaped as a generally straight line when held in an undeployed state, such as when restrained within a housing of an anchor deliver device. When released from the delivery device, backbone 505 may change to a deployed shape having multiple bends, as shown in FIG. 8B. By bending, backbone 505 shortens the longitudinal distance between anchors, as demonstrated by the solid-tipped arrows in FIG. 8B. This shortening process may act to cinch a valve annulus into which anchors 510 have be secured. Thus, anchors 510 coupled to backbone 505 may be used to cinch a valve annulus without using a separate tether or applying tethering force. Alternatively, a tether may also be coupled with anchors 510 to further cinch the annulus. In such a variation, backbone 505 will be at least partially conformable or cinchable, such that when force is applied to anchors 510 and backbone 505 via a tether, backbone 505 bends further to allow further cinching of the annulus.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9C, in one variation a flexible distal portion of an anchor delivery device 520 suitably includes a housing 522 coupled with an expandable member 524. Housing 522 may be configured to house multiple coupled anchors 526 and an anchor contacting member 530 coupled with a pull cord 532. Housing 522 may also include multiple apertures 528 for allowing egress of anchors 526. For clarity, delivery device 520 is shown without a tether in FIGS. 9A and 9C, but FIG. 9B shows that a tether 534 may extend through an eyelet, loop or other portion of each anchor 526, and may exit each aperture 528 to allow for release of the plurality of anchors 526. The various features of this variation are described further below.

In the variation shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, anchors 526 are relatively straight and lie relatively in parallel with the long axis of delivery device 522. Anchor contacting member 530, which may comprise any suitable device, such as a ball, plate, hook, knot, plunger, piston, or the like, generally has an outer diameter that is nearly equal to or slightly less than the inner diameter of housing 522. Contacting member 530 is disposed within the housing, distal to a distal-most anchor 526, and is retracted relative to housing 522 by pulling pull cord 532. When retracted, anchor contacting member 530 contacts and applies force to a distal-most anchor 526 to release cause that anchor 526 to exit housing 522 via one of the apertures 528. Contacting member 530 is then pulled farther proximally to contact and apply force to the next anchor 526 to deploy that anchor 526, and so on.

Retracting contacting member 530 to push anchors 526 out of apertures 528 may help cause anchors 526 to avidly secure themselves to adjacent tissue. Using anchors 526 that are relatively straight/flat when undeployed allows anchors 526 with relatively large deployed sizes to be disposed in (and delivered from) a relatively small housing 522. In one variation, for example, anchors 526 that deploy into a shape approximating two intersecting semi-circles, circles, ovals, helices, or the like, and that have a radius of one of the semi-circles of about 3 mm may be disposed within a housing 522 having a diameter of about 5 French (1.67 mm) and more preferably 4 French (1.35 mm) or even smaller. Such anchors 526 may measure about 6 mm or more in their widest dimension. In some variations, housing 522 may have a diametrical dimension (“d”) and anchor 526 may have a diametrical dimension (“D”) in the deployed state, and the ratio of D to d may be at least about 3.5. In other variations, the ratio of D to d may be at least about 4.4, and more preferably at least about 7, and even more preferably at least about 8.8. These are only examples, however, and other larger or smaller anchors 526 may be disposed within a larger or smaller housing 522. Furthermore, any convenient number of anchors 526 may be disposed within housing 522. In one variation, for example, housing 522 may hold about 1-20 anchors 526, and more preferably about 3-10 anchors 526. Other variations may hold more anchors 526.

Anchor contacting member 530 and pull cord 532 may have any suitable configuration and may be manufactured from any material or combination of materials. In alternative variations, contacting member 530 may be pushed by a pusher member to contact and deploy anchors 526. Alternatively, any of the anchor deployment devices and methods previously described may be used.

Tether 534, as shown in FIG. 9B, may comprise any of the tethers 534 or tether-like devices already described above, or any other suitable device. Tether 534 is generally attached to a distal-most anchor 526 at an attachment point 536. The attachment itself may be achieved via a knot, weld, adhesive, or by any other suitable attachment means. Tether 234 then extends through an eyelet, loop or other similar configuration on each on each of the anchors 526 so as to be slidably coupled with the anchors 526. In the variation shown, tether 534 exits each aperture 528, then enters the next-most-proximal aperture, passes slidably through a loop on an anchor 526, and exits the same aperture 528. By entering and exiting each aperture 528, tether 534 allows the plurality of anchors 526 to be deployed into tissue and cinched. Other configurations of housing 522, anchors 526 and tether 534 may alternatively be used. For example, housing 522 may include a longitudinal slit through which tether 534 may pass, thus allowing tether 534 to reside wholly within housing before deployment.

Expandable member 524 is an optional feature of anchor delivery device 520, and thus may be included in some variations and not in others. In other words, a distal portion of anchor delivery device 520 may include housing, contents of housing, and other features either with or without an attached expandable member. Expandable member 524 may comprise any suitable expandable member currently known or discovered in the future, and any method and substance(s) may be used to expand expandable member 524. Typically, expandable member 524 will be coupled with a surface of housing 522, will have a larger radius than housing 522, and will be configured such that when it is expanded as housing 522 nears or contacts the valve annulus, expandable member 524 will push or press housing 522 into enhanced contact with the annulus. For example, expandable member 524 may be configured to expand within a space near the corner formed by a left ventricular wall and a mitral valve leaflet.

With reference now to FIGS. 10A-10F, a method is shown for applying a plurality of tethered anchors 526 to a valve annulus VA in a heart. As shown in FIG. 10A, an anchor delivery device 520 is first contacted with the valve annulus VA such that openings 528 are oriented to deploy anchors 526 into the annulus. Such orientation may be achieved by any suitable technique. In one variation, for example, a housing 522 having an elliptical cross-sectional shape may be used to orient openings 528. As just described, contact between housing 522 and the valve annulus VA may be enhanced by expanding expandable member 524 to wedge housing within a corner adjacent the annulus.

Generally, delivery device 520 may be advanced into any suitable location for treating any valve by any suitable advancing or device placement method. Many catheter-based, minimally invasive devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures, for example, are well known, and any such devices and methods, as well as any other devices or method later developed, may be used to advance or position delivery device 520 in a desired location. For example, in one variation a steerable guide catheter is first advanced in retrograde fashion through an aorta, typically via access from a femoral artery. The steerable catheter is passed into the left ventricle of the heart and thus into the space formed by the mitral valve leaflets, the left ventricular wall and cordae tendineae of the left ventricle. Once in this space, the steerable catheter is easily advanced along a portion (or all) of the circumference of the mitral valve. A sheath is advanced over the steerable catheter within the space below the valve leaflets, and the steerable catheter is removed through the sheath. Anchor delivery device 520 may then be advanced through the sheath to a desired position within the space, and the sheath may be removed. In some cases, an expandable member coupled to delivery device 520 may be expanded to wedge or otherwise move delivery device 520 into the corner formed by the left ventricular wall and the valve leaflets to enhance its contact with the valve annulus. Of course, this is but one exemplary method for advancing delivery device 520 to a position for treating a valve, and any other suitable method, combination of devices, etc. may be used.

As shown in FIG. 10B, when delivery device 520 is positioned in a desired location for deploying anchors 526, anchor contacting member 530 is retracted to contact and apply force to a most-distal anchor 526 to begin deploying anchor 526 through aperture 528 and into tissue of the valve annulus VA. FIG. 10C shows anchor 526 further deployed out of aperture 528 and into valve annulus VA. FIG. 10D shows the valve annulus VA transparently so that further deployment of anchors 526 can be seen. As shown, in one variation, anchors 526 include two sharpened tips that move in opposite directions upon release from housing 522 and upon contacting the valve annulus VA. Between the two sharpened tips, an anchor 526 may be looped or have any other suitable eyelet or other device for allowing slidable coupling with a tether 534.

Referring now to FIG. 10E, anchors 526 are seen in their fully deployed or nearly fully deployed shape, with each pointed tip (or “arm”) of each anchor 526 having curved to form a circle or semi-circle. Of course, in some variations anchors 526 may have any other suitable deployed and undeployed shapes, as described more fully above. FIG. 10F shows anchors 526 deployed into the valve annulus VA and coupled with tether 534, with the distal-most anchor 526 coupled attached fixedly to tether 524 at attachment point 536. At this stage, tether 534 may be cinched to tighten the annulus, thus reducing valve regurgitation. In some variations, valve function may be monitored by means such as echocardiogram and/or fluoroscopy, and tether 534 may be cinched, loosened, and adjusted to achieve a desired amount of tightening as evident via the employed visualization technique(s). When a desired amount of tightening is achieved, tether 534 is then attached to a most-proximal anchor 526 (or two or more most-proximal anchors 526), using any suitable technique, and tether 534 is then cut proximal to the most-proximal anchor 526, thus leaving the cinched, tethered anchors 526 in place along the valve annulus VA. Attachment of tether 534 to the most-proximal anchor(s) 526 may be achieved via adhesive, knotting, crimping, tying or any other technique, and cutting tether 534 may also be performed via any technique, such as with a cutting member coupled with housing 522.

In one variation, cinching tether 534, attaching tether 534 to most-proximal anchor 526, and cutting tether 534 are achieved using a termination device (not shown). The termination device may comprise, for example, a catheter advanceable over tether 534 that includes a cutting member and a nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol) knot or other attachment member for attaching tether 534 to most-proximal anchor. The termination catheter may be advanced over tether 534 to a location at or near the proximal end of the tethered anchors 526. It may then be used to apply opposing force to the most-proximal anchor 526 while tether 534 is cinched. Attachment and cutting members may then be used to attach tether 534 to most-proximal anchor 526 and cut tether 534 just proximal to most-proximal anchor 526. Such a termination device is only one possible way of accomplishing the cinching, attachment and cutting steps, and any other suitable device(s) or technique(s) may be used. Additional devices and methods for terminating (e.g., cinching and fastening) may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/232,190, previously incorporated by reference.

In some variations, it may be advantageous to deploy a first number of anchors 526 along a first portion of a valve annulus VA, cinch the first anchors to tighten that portion of the annulus, move the delivery device 520 to another portion of the annulus, and deploy and cinch a second number of anchors 526 along a second portion of the annulus. Such a method may be more convenient, in some cases, than extending delivery device 520 around all or most of the circumference of the annulus, and may allow a shorter, more maneuverable housing 522 to be used.

In an variation similar to that shown in FIGS. 10A-10F, an analogous method may be used but anchors 526 may be driven out of delivery device 520 through a biocompatible material attached to delivery device 520, thereby attaching the biocompatible material to the valve annulus VA. For example, in one variation a Dacron strip may be attached to delivery device 520, extending along device 520 and covering apertures 528. Anchors 526 are then driven out of delivery device 520, through the Dacron strip, into the valve annulus VA, thus detaching the Dacron strip from device 520 and attaching it to the valve annulus VA. Such a biocompatible material may facilitate tissue ingrowth of anchors 526 and may enhance attachment generally to the valve annulus VA. In an alternative variation, multiple pieces of biocompatible material, such as separate pieces of material disposed over each of apertures 528, may be used. For example, in one variation multiple discs of Dacron material are disposed over multiple apertures 528.

In another variation, a distal portion of delivery device 520 may be detachable from a proximal portion of delivery device 520. Such an variation may be configured such that when anchors 526 are deployed from device 520, the distal portion of device 520 detaches from the proximal portion and is attached, via anchors 526, to the valve annulus VA. In one variation, for example, anchors 526 may pierce through the distal portion of device 520, rather than exiting device 520 through apertures 528. The distal portion may be detachable via any suitable means, such as perforations or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a cross-sectional depiction of a heart H is shown with an anchor delivery device guide catheter 550 advanced through the aorta A and into the left ventricle LV. In a preferred variation, this access route to the subannular space and the valve annulus may used. Guide catheter 550 is generally a flexible elongate catheter which may have one or more curves or bends toward its distal end to facilitate placement of the distal end of catheter 550 in a subannular space 552. Subannular space 552, which has been described above in detail, is generally defined by the left ventricular wall, the mitral valve leaflets MVL, and cordae tendiniae, and travels along most or all of the circumference of the valve annulus. The distal end of guide catheter 550 may be configured to be positioned at an opening into space 552 or within space 552, such that subsequent catheter devices may be passed through guide catheter 550 into space 552. In some variations, it may be advantageous to provide guide catheter 550 with a curvable portion with a radius in an expanded/curved state that is greater than a radius of the valve annulus. For example, in one variation guide catheter 550 in the expanded state has a radius about 25%-50% larger that the valve annulus.

With reference now to FIG. 11B, in the variation described immediately above and/or in alternative variations, an anchor delivery device 588 and a guide catheter 590 may include one or more corresponding (or “registering”) bends or orientation portions 592 a, 592 b at other locations along their lengths. In other words, although bends 551, 553, 555 are shown in FIG. 11A at or near the distal ends of guide catheter 550 and anchor delivery device 558, similar bends could be formed at more proximal locations. For example, FIG. 11B shows guide catheter 590 with orientation portion 592 a having a chosen shape when relaxed. The chosen shape may lie along a two-dimensional or three-dimensional path. Anchor delivery device 588 has a corresponding orientation portion 592 b along its length which is complementary to the shape of orientation portion 592 a. The chosen shape may also be created by the application of energy, mechanical manipulation or the like. Such orientation portions 592 a, 592 b could be used for further registering or orienting delivery device 588 to a desired orientation. Typically, when orientation portions 592 a, 592 b are axially aligned, which can be indicated by orientation markers at the proximal ends of guide catheter 590 and anchor delivery device 588 external of the patient, proper rotary orientation can be sensed tactically by the physician to help insure the distal end of anchor delivery device 588 is properly oriented. Delivery device 588 may be rotated, advanced or moved in any suitable fashion within guide catheter 590 to achieve a desired orientation. The use of one or more complementary orientation portions 592 a, 592 b may be used with any of a number of variations of guide catheters and anchor delivery devices.

In a number of cases, and with reference now to FIGS. 12A-12D, it may be advantageous to provide further support to an anchor delivery device 658, to support the device 658 against valve annulus tissue and/or to push the device 658 against valve annulus tissue to enhance contact with, and anchor delivery into, the tissue. In one variation, as shown in FIG. 12A, a helical support member 652 may be coupled with a distal end of anchor delivery device 658 and may be extended into the left ventricle of a heart (or other heart chamber in other variations) to contact the heart wall 651 and thus support anchor delivery device 658 against the valve annulus tissue. In alternative variations, helical support member 651 may extend out of a guide catheter 650 to contact the heart wall 651 and support anchor delivery device 658. Any suitable means may be used for extending helical member 652 into the left ventricle or other chamber. For example, helical member 652 is pushed out of guide catheter 650 in one variation, but may alternatively be extended out of anchor delivery device 658. Helical member 652 may be made of any suitable material, such as but not limited to nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), stainless steel or the like.

In an alternative variation, pictured in FIG. 12B, a deployable U-shaped support member 662 may be movably coupled with a distal portion of an anchor delivery device 668, both of which are advanceable through a guide catheter 660. Upon being advanced out of the distal end of guide catheter 660, U-shaped member 662 may automatically spring out, or alternatively may be manually manipulated to extend outward, to contact the inner surface of the heart wall and/or to contact a papillary muscle 663. As shown in FIG. 12B, in one variation U-shaped member 663 contacts an intersection of a papillary muscle 663 with the heart wall, and thus provides upward support (solid-tipped arrows) to anchor delivery device 668. Again, such a U-shaped member 662 may automatically deform from a straight configuration for delivery through guide catheter 660 into a U-shaped configuration, such as if member 662 is made of nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), spring stainless steel, or other shape memory or super-elastic material. Alternatively, U-shaped member 662 may be connected to anchor delivery device 668 at or near the distal end of the device 668 and may be pushed distally to force the U-shaped member 662 to expand into its U-shape. In an alternative variation, U-shaped member 662 may be attached proximally and may be pulled into its expanded configuration. Any suitable method for changing the shape of U-shaped member 662 from straight to U-shaped may be used in some variations.

As shown in FIG. 12C, U-shaped member 662 may optionally include an expandable member 667, such as an inflatable balloon. Expandable member 667 may be expanded to provide further force against and support of anchor delivery device 668, to enhance its contact with valve annulus tissue. In another variation, as shown in FIG. 12D, multiple spring members 672 may be coupled with a distal end of an anchor delivery device 678 to provide force against an inner surface of a heart wall (solid tipped arrows) to thus support anchor delivery device 678 against annulus tissue (hollow tipped arrows). Thus, variations may include any of a number of suitable support devices for enhancing support of an anchor delivery device against valve annulus tissue, thus enhancing the ability of the delivery device to delivery tissue anchors into the annulus.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13C, in some variations it may be advantageous to provide one or more devices to enhance the attachment of a terminal tissue anchor 710 to valve annulus tissue VA. Typically, in attaching tissue anchors to valve annulus tissue VA, a first tethered anchor (not shown) is attached, and subsequent anchors are then attached, ending in a final or terminal anchor 710. A tether 718 is then cinched, to apply force between the attached anchors (hollow arrow), thus cinching the valve annulus VA. Tether 718 is then typically attached by any suitable means to terminal anchor 710 and then cut or otherwise detached proximal to the terminal anchor 710, leaving the cinched, tethered anchors in place, attached to the valve annulus VA. To relieve some of the tension placed on terminal anchor 710 and/or to provide additional attachment/anchoring strength to the terminal end of the tethered anchors, one or more locking members 714 may be deployed at or near the terminal end. For example, in one variation locking member 714 comprises a cylinder slidably disposed over tether 718, with prongs 712 extending from one end of the cylinder. Locking member 714 is deployed out of the distal end of a termination catheter, guide catheter or the like (not shown) and is then slid along tether 718, such that prongs 712 contact and enter into valve annulus tissue VA. In one variation, a pusher member 716, such as a ball slidably disposed over tether 718, may be used to push locking member 714 forward and into engagement with tissue, as shown in FIG. 13B and as designated by solid tipped arrows. In some variations, locking member 714 engages with terminal anchor 710, as shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, though such engagement is not required. Once locking member 714 is fully engaged with valve tissue VA, tether 718 is cut proximal to locking member 714. In some variations, pusher member 716 remains in place, while in others it may be removed before cutting tether 718.

A number of different variations of locking members are contemplated in some variations. For example, a two-pronged member may be used, with the prongs deployable from a delivery position to and expanded configuration, and with the prongs optionally engaging with the terminal anchor 710. In another variation, multiple prongs may be aligned in a linear fashion along a locking member, such as in a rake-like configuration. Yet another variation include two prongs for engaging with the terminal anchor 710 and another prong for engaging with valve annulus tissue VA. Thus, any of a number of different variations may be employed. Such locking members may be constructed from any suitable material or combination of materials, such as nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), spring stainless steel and/or other shape memory or super-elastic materials.

FIGS. 14A-14F demonstrate a method for advancing an anchor delivery device to a position for treating a mitral valve MV. The mitral valve MV, including mitral valve leaflets MVL are represented diagrammatically from an inferior perspective looking up, to depict a method for delivering a device into subannular space 552. In FIG. 14A, first guide catheter 550 is show extending up to or into subannular space 552, as in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 14B, in one method a second guide catheter 554 may be advanced through first guide catheter 550 to pass through/along subannular space 554. This second guide catheter 554 is steerable in one variation, as will be described further below, to help conform second guide catheter 554 to subannular space 552.

Next, as in FIG. 14C, a guide sheath 556 may be passed over second guide catheter 554 to extend along subannular space. Sheath 556 is generally a flexible, tubular member that can be passed over second guide catheter 554 and within first guide catheter 550. To enhance passage and exchange, any of these and other described catheter members, sheath members, or the like may be manufactured from and/or coated with one or more friction resistant materials. Once sheath 556 is in place, second guide catheter 554 may be withdrawn, as shown in FIG. 14D. As shown in FIG. 14E, an anchor delivery device 558 may then be advanced through sheath 556 to a position for treating the mitral valve MV. Sheath 556 may then be withdrawn, as in FIG. 14F, leaving anchor delivery device 558 in place for performing a treatment. A valve annulus treatment may be performed, as described extensively above, and anchor delivery device 558 may be withdrawn. In some variations, anchor delivery device 558 is used to treat one portion of the valve annulus and is then moved to another portion, typically the opposite side, to treat the other portion of the annulus. In such variations, any one or more of the steps just described may be repeated. In some variations, anchor delivery device 558 is withdrawn through first guide catheter 550, and first guide catheter 550 is then withdrawn. In alternative variations, first guide catheter 550 may be withdrawn before anchor delivery device 558.

In some variations, alternative means may be used to urge anchor delivery device 558 into contact with the valve annulus. For example, in one variation an expandable member is coupled with anchor delivery device 558 and expanded within the subannular space 552. In an alternative variation, a magnet may be coupled with anchor delivery device 558, and another anchor may be disposed within the coronary sinus, in proximity to the first magnet. The two magnets may attract one another, thus pulling the anchor delivery device 558 into greater contact with the annulus. In another variation, anchor delivery device 558 in an expanded (or deployed) state may have a radius of curvature that is larger than the radius of curvature of the mitral valve annulus, thus causing device 558 to be urged against the annulus. In one variation, for example, the radius of curvature of device 558 in the expanded/deployed state is about 25%-50% larger than the radius of curvature of the mitral valve annulus.

Some variations may also include visualizing the annulus using a visualization member coupled with the anchor delivery device 558 or separate from the device 558. In some variations, anchors may be driven through a strip of detachable, biocompatible material, such as Dacron, that is coupled with anchor delivery device 558 but that detaches to affix to the valve annulus via the anchors. In some variations, the strip may then be cinched to tighten the annulus. In other variations, the anchors may be driven through a detachable, biocompatible, distal portion of the guide sheath 556, and guide sheath 556 may then remain attached to the annulus via the anchors. Again, in some variations, the detached sheath may be cinched to tighten the annulus.

Of course, the method just described is but one variation of a method for delivering an anchor delivery device to a location for treating a valve annulus. In various alternative variations, one or more steps may be added, deleted or modified while achieving a similar result. In some variations, a similar method may be used to treat the mitral valve from a superior/right atrial position or to treat another heart valve. Additionally, other devices or modifications of the system just described may be used in other variations.

With reference now to FIGS. 15A and 15B, one variation of a steerable catheter device 560 is shown. Steerable catheter device 560 may be used in a method such as that just described in reference to FIGS. 14A-14F, for example in performing a function similar to that performed by second guide catheter 554. In other variations, catheter device 560 may perform any other suitable function. As shown, catheter device 560 suitably includes an elongate catheter body having a proximal portion 562 and a distal portion 564. At least one tensioning member 568, such as but not limited to a tensioning cord, extends from proximal portion 562 to distal portion 564 and is coupled with the distal portion 564 and at least one tensioning actuator 570/572 on the proximal portion. Tensioning actuator 570/572 may include, for example, a knob 570 and a barrel 572 for wrapping and unwrapping tensioning member 568 to apply and remove tension. Tensioning member 568 is coupled with distal portion 564 at one or more connection points 580. In some variations, catheter device 560 includes a proximal housing 571, handle or the like, coupled to the proximal end of proximal portion 562 via a hub 576 or other means. Housing 571 may be coupled with tensioning actuator 570/572 and may include one or more arms 574 for infusing fluid or for other functions. In the variation shown, arm 574 and housing 571 include a lumen 567 that is in fluid communication with a fluid lumen 566 of the catheter body. Fluid may be introduced through arm 574 to pass through fluid lumen 566 to provide, for example, for contrast material at the distal tip of catheter device 560 to enhance visualization of device 560 during a procedure. Any other suitable fluid(s) may be passed through lumens 567/566 for any other purpose. Another lumen 578 may be included in distal portion 564, through which tensioning member 568 passes before attaching at a distal location along distal portion 564.

FIG. 15B shows catheter device 560 in a deformed/bent configuration, after tension has been applied to distal portion 564 by applying tension to tensioning member 568, via knob 570 and barrel 572. The bend in distal portion 564 will allow it to conform more readily to a valve annulus, while catheter device 560 in its straight configuration will be more amenable to passage through vasculature of the patient. Tensioning member 568 may be manufactured from any suitable material or combination of materials, such as but not limited to nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), polyester, nylon, polypropylene and/or other polymers. Some variations may include two or more tensioning members 568 and/or two or more tensioning actuators 570/572 to provide for changes in shape of distal portion 564 in multiple directions. In alternative variations, knob 570 and barrel 572 may be substituted with any suitable devices, such as a pull cord, button, lever or other actuator. Various alternatives may also be substituted for tensioning member 568 in some variations. For example, shaped expandable members, shape memory members and/or the like may be used to change the shape of distal portion 564.

Generally, proximal portion 562 of the catheter body is less flexible than distal portion 564. Proximal portion 562 may be made of any suitable material, such as PEBAX, FEP, nylon, polyethylene and/or the like, and may include a braided material, such as stainless steel, to provide stiffness and strength. Distal portion 564 may be made of similar or other materials, but the braided material is typically not included, to provide for greater flexibility. Both proximal and distal portions 562/564 may have any suitable lengths, diameters, overall configurations and the like. In one variation the catheter body is approximately 140 cm in length and 6 French in diameter, but any other suitable sizes may be used in other variations. Either proximal portion 562, distal portion 564 or preferably both, may be made from or coated with one or more friction resistant or lubricating material to enhance passage of device 560 through an introducer catheter and/or to enhance passage of a sheath or other device over catheter device 560.

With reference now to FIGS. 16A-16E, another aspect of the methods and devices described herein includes improved tissue anchors for enhancing anchor attachment to valve annulus tissue. Such improved anchors typically include one or more features to help prevent the anchors from pulling out of tissue, when the anchors are placed under tension from a cinched tether, and/or to help promote tissue ingrowth of the anchors to further enhance attachment. In one variation, as shown in FIG. 16A, a tissue anchor 810 includes outwardly facing hooks 812 or bends at the ends of the two arms of anchor 810. In another variation, as in FIG. 16B, a tissue anchor 820 includes inwardly facing hooks 822. In a related variation, shown in FIG. 16D, a tissue anchor 840 includes multiple bends 842. In any of these variations, hooks 812, 822 or bends 842 have been found to enhance attachment of anchors 810, 820, 840 to tissue and thus prevent anchor pullout. In another variation, shown in FIG. 16C, two arms of a tissue anchor 830 are attached at an attachment point 832. The attachment point 832 may be formed by any suitable technique, such as soldering or the like. In another variation, as in FIG. 16E, a belt 852 may be disposed over a tissue anchor 850 to hold the two arms of the anchor together. In either of the variations shown in FIGS. 16C and 16E, holding the two arms of the anchor together has be found to reduce pullout of the anchors 830, 850 from tissue.

Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17C, in many variations, self-forming anchors 900 are stored in the delivery device in a straightened configuration, coupled with a tether 902, as shown in FIG. 17A. Basically, anchors 900 are held or restrained in that straightened state, while their natural configuration is curved. Thus, when the straightened anchor 900 is released from the delivery device into tissue T, the anchor 900 actually pulls itself into the tissue T, as shown in FIG. 17B, due to the storage of potential energy in the straightened state and the tendency of each of the arms 901 of anchors 900 to drive the tip of the arm into the tissue as illustrated. Arms 901 are joined together at a junction 903. Each arm 901 is braced against the other arm so that forces exerted by tissue T on each arm 901 are opposed by the other arm 901 wherein the arms are joined to one another. This eliminates the need for an anchor driving device, such as required with staples, thus substantially simplifying the assembly and method. In addition, bracing arms 901 against one another also helps to reduce or eliminate problems associated with tissue deflection. As shown by the hollow-tipped arrows in FIG. 17B, the anchor 900 pulls itself into tissue T as it assumes its natural, curved shape, and exerts forces in vertical, horizontal and curved directions. Finally, after pulling itself into tissue and assuming its natural shape, as in FIG. 17C, anchor 900 is fully embedded in the tissue T.

In an alternative variation, as shown in FIG. 18, anchors 910 may have one curved arm and one straight arm. Such an anchor 910 will still pull itself into tissue T, thus embedding itself and positioning the tether 912 flush with the tissue T.

Referring now to FIG. 19A, some variations of a valve annulus anchor device may include anchors 922, a tether 924, a distal force applying member 927 coupled with the tether 924, a termination member 926 and one or more force distributing sleeves 920 disposed over the tether 924 and between adjacent anchors 922. In one variation, as shown, a separate sleeve 920 may be disposed between two adjacent anchors 922 a, 922 b. Additional sleeves 920 may optionally be disposed between other sets of two anchors, such as anchors 922 b and 922 c. In FIG. 19A, only three anchors 922 are shown for simplicity, but any number of anchors 922 and sleeves 920 between anchors may be used in some variations. Sleeve 920 acts to distribute force applied between two adjacent anchors 922, to help prevent such anchors 922 from pulling out of tissue when force is applied to tether 924. Sleeve 922 may be made of any suitable material, such as but not limited to metals, such as nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), polymers, fabrics and the like. Sleeve 922 may be a solid cylindrical member, or alternatively may have patterned cut-outs, like a stent, or be made of ribbed, woven, braided, porous, nonporous or any other suitable material, pattern, configuration or the like. Sleeve 920 may be essentially rigid and axially incompressible, while in other variations it may be axially compressible. In one variation, sleeve 920 may be configured as two rings, disposed adjacent two anchors 922, with the rings being connected by a rod or shaft, so that tether 924 is not encircled by the sleeve 922.

With reference now to FIG. 19B, in an alternative variation, a sleeve 930 may be disposed over a tether 934 so as to extend between more than two anchors 932. Such a sleeve 930 may thus distribute force applied between a termination member 936 and a force applying member 937 so as to help prevent anchor pull-out from tissue. Such a sleeve 930 may include one or more openings through which one or more middle anchors may extend. Again, sleeve 930 may have any suitable configuration, size, shape or the like and be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. Sleeve 930 may extend between three, four, five or any suitable number of anchors 932 in variations. In an alternative variation, sleeve 930 may be pierced by one or more of the anchors 932 and thus attached to valve annulus tissue.

In the variations just described or in alternative variations, any of the components of the cinchable assembly (e.g., anchors, tether, sleeve, etc.) may also have one or more features designed to enhance ingrowth and/or encapsulation of the anchors into annular tissue. Such features, for example, may include a coating, a porous and/or rough surface, an attachment such as a polyester band or belt, or any other suitable surface feature or added feature. By promoting encapsulation of tissue anchors, attachment strength of the anchors to tissue is enhanced.

PART II: EXAMPLES Example 1

FIGS. 20A to 20D illustrate a schematic example of a non-percutaneous insertion of a plurality of anchors that are inserted one at a time by deploying individual anchors from the end of a deployment device. The mitral valve annulus may be exposed by incising the left atrium. A first anchor may be aligned on the deployment device using a loading tool which orients the legs of the anchor (e.g., parallel to the shaft of the deployment device), so that the tips of the anchor's legs can be flush with the tip of the device. The tether can then be threaded through a slot in delivery device so that it passes through an eyelet of the anchor. The tip of the delivery device can then be positioned under a leaflet near the posterior commiusure 2001 as shown in FIG. 20A. The end of the deployment device (from which the anchor will be released) is pointed radially outward so that the tip contacts the ventricular wall, just below the annulus. In one variation, the anchor is deployed by squeezing the handle (e.g., a trigger) to cause a push rod to eject the anchor from the deployment device and into the annulus. After inserting the anchor, the position can be verified. A sleeve (e.g., a polyester sleeve 2010) can be applied on the tether 2009 between where the first anchor 2012 and a second anchor 2014.

The anchor insertion steps described above may be repeated to deploy the second anchor 2014 within about 5 mm of the first anchor 2012 along the posterior annulus 2035. Additional anchors 2016′ may be added (e.g., approximately 1 cm from the second anchor 2014 and additional anchors) after displacing the bundles of chords extending from the posterior papillary muscle (e.g., the posterior chord bundle 2025 and the anterior chord bundle 2027). The subannular groove may also be exposed. The tether 2009 is first threaded onto each anchor before it is deployed, as described above. When the anchors 2016′ get close (e.g., within 1 cm) of the anterior commissure 2032, the tether may be passed from the subannular groove and out from under the leaflet. The last two anchors 2018, 2020 can then be placed within 5 mm of each other near the anterior commissure. A polyester sleeve 2010 may also be used between these anchors. Thus, the plurality of anchors are applied from trigone to trigone. The valve can now be cinched into a constricted configuration by cinching the tether between the anchors.

In some variations, the valve is cinched to a constricted position based on the size of the anterior leaflet 2005. For example, the heart valve may be visualized (either directly, or by imaging) as the annulus is cinched. The valve may be cinched until the anterior leaflet has a desirable shape and/or size. In variations where the anchors are applied percutaneously (e.g., using a catheter), the heart may be visualized using any appropriate visualization technique, such as echocardiography. Thus, the cinching of the annulus may be adjusted in real-time.

FIG. 20B shows one method of terminating the tether after the valve has been cinched to a desirable size. For example, in FIG. 20B, a rubber-tipped hemostat may be held against the proximal anchor 2020, and tension can be applied to the tether. The hemostat can clamp and lock the tether into the cinched position. A slip knot can then be formed at the end of the tether 2050, and the slip knot can be pushed towards the hemostat tip 2020.

Once the slip knot is positioned by the hemostat tip 2020, the loop of the slip knot can be cut, as shown in FIG. 20C, and half knots 2060 can be formed using the two free ends of the tether 2055, 2055′. The half-knots can then be pushed down onto the slip knot, as shown in FIG. 20D. At least two additional square knots can be used to secure the tether in the cinched position. The free ends of the knots can then be cut (e.g., within about 5 mm from the knots). All of the surgical materials can then be removed, the atrium can be closed, and the heart can be refilled with blood.

FIG. 21 shows one example of a plurality of anchors that have been cinched by a tether to constrict an annulus. The arrow indicates one of the connected and cinched plurality of anchors.

Example 2

As described above, surgical annuloplasty typically constricts the diameter of the valve by suturing an ring (having a diameter that is smaller than the dysfunctional diameter of the annulus) directly to the annular tissue. Other methods of constricting the annuls involve placing devices in regions of the heart (e.g., the CS that are located in compliant fatty tissue outside of the atrium) that are remote from the annulus. Such methods may limit the effectiveness of the annuloplasty, the ability to constrict the annulus, and particularly the ability to constrict and retain the annulus for extended periods of time while not substantially limiting the range of motion of the valve leaflets

FIG. 22 graphically summarizes the results of the subvalvular approach described herein. Sheep were operated on as described, so that a cinchable assembly (e.g., anchors and a tether) was implanted and cinched to constrict the mitral valve orifice. As can be seen from the table in FIG. 22, the constriction reduced the mitral valve annulus diameter from commissure to commissure and from the septal to lateral directions. Thus, the overall area of the annulus was reduced from 30% to 70%. Moreover, this reduction in the valve area compared to the pre-operative size was stable and over time, measured one week after the surgery, 1 month after surgery and 2 months after surgery.

FIGS. 23A to 24B show examples of the reduction in valve size and dimension in animals measured with echocardiogram both before and at different times after the procedure has been performed. For example, FIG. 23A is an echocardiogram of a sheep's heart showing the mitral valve orifice area before implantation and cinching of a cinchable assembly. The same heart is shown 1 months post-operatively in FIG. 23B. The diameter of the mitral valve orifice has been significantly reduced (shown by the dotted area). The valve area of the heart shown was reduced by approximately 25%.

FIG. 24 shows another example of an echocardiogram taken from a post-operative animal that has had the cinchable assembly implanted as described herein. There has been a stable reduction in the mitral valve orifice area, and the motion of the posterior leaflet and the entire annulus has been preserved after implanting and cinching the cinchable assembly.

Example 3

Animals in which the cinchable assemblies had been chronically implanted (e.g., 1-6 months) were examined to determine the response of the annular tissue to the implant. All of the excised hearts showed extensive fibrous tissue coverage of the implant, as well as ingrowth by fibrous tissue. For example, FIG. 25 shows a dissected mitral valve annulus containing a heart having a implant which was present for approximately three months. As can be seen, assembly has been encapsulated in scar tissue 2501 (fibrous tissue). This fibrous tissue is resilient (e.g., strong) and resists expansion, even after cutting the tether of the assembly.

This encapsulation may also be seen in cross-sections through the tissue, as seen in FIG. 26A-26B. FIG. 26 also illustrates the infiltration of fibrous tissue into the implants. Infiltration of fibrous tissue into the cinchable assembly can result the formation of a new annular band. FIG. 27 also illustrates cross-sections from a heart in which a cinchable assembly was chronically implanted.

Although the foregoing is a complete and accurate description, the description provided above is for exemplary purposes only, and variations may be made to the variations described without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the above description should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention as described in the appended claims. 

1. A method of remodeling the base of a ventricle of a heart comprising: securing a plurality of anchors to the valve annulus of the heart beneath one or more leaflets of the valve; constricting the valve annulus by cinching a tether connecting the plurality of anchors, wherein the plurality of anchors and the tether are configured as a cinchable assembly; and securing the annulus in a constricted configuration to allow growth of fibrous tissue around the cinchable assembly.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: inducing the formation of scar tissue at least partially about the annulus.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cinchable assembly is configured to allow the grown of fibrous tissue into the cinchable assembly.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of anchor are introduced percutaneously.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: maintaining the constricted configuration of the annulus until the formation of scar tissue at least partially around the annulus.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of maintaining the constricted configuration comprises until the formation of scar tissue at least partially around the annulus comprises maintaining the constricted configuration for greater than about 1 month.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of maintaining the constricted configuration comprises until the formation of scar tissue at least partially around the annulus comprises maintaining the constricted configuration for greater than about 2 months.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the heart valve annulus is a mitral valve annulus.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of securing the plurality of anchors about the valve annulus comprises securing the anchors between the left and right trigone.
 10. The method of claim 1, performed on a beating heart.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of constricting the valve annulus comprises reducing the circumference of at least a portion of the heart valve annulus.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of constricting the heart valve annulus corrects a mitral valve defect.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: introducing the plurality of anchors to the valve annulus from beneath one or more leaflets of the valve.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of constricting the valve annulus further comprises constricting the valve annulus while preserving the mobility of the leaflets of the valve.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of constricting the valve annulus further comprises monitoring the heart valve in real time.
 16. A method of inducing the formation of new fibrous tissue at least partially about a heart valve annulus, the method comprising: securing a plurality of anchors to at least a portion of the valve annulus; constricting the valve annulus by cinching a tether connecting the plurality of anchors, wherein the plurality of anchors and the tether are configured as a cinchable assembly; and maintaining the constricted configuration of the valve annulus to permit the growth of fibrous tissue into the cinchable assembly.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of maintaining the constricted configuration of the valve annulus comprises maintaining the constricted configuration for at least one month.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of constricting the valve annulus further comprises constricting the valve annulus while preserving the mobility of the leaflets of the valve.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of constricting the valve annulus further comprises monitoring the heart valve in real time.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: introducing the plurality of anchors to the valve annulus from beneath one or more leaflets of the valve.
 21. A method of remodeling a valve annulus while preserving mobility of the valve leaflets, the method comprising: securing a plurality of anchors to at least a portion of the valve annulus; constricting the valve annulus by cinching a tether connecting the plurality of anchors, wherein the plurality of anchors and the tether are configured as a cinchable assembly; and monitoring the mobility of the heart valve leaflets in real time while constricting the heart valve annulus.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: securing the annulus in a constricted configuration to allow the formation of fibrous scar tissue at least partially around the annulus.
 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: introducing the plurality of anchors to the valve annulus from beneath one or more leaflets of the valve. 